What technology did we recommend? The “tech” folks in attendance agreed on many things, most strikingly that focusing on which tech tools to use was not the best use of resources.

Reading, writing, critical analysis, independent thinking, independent research – from multiple, often contradicting sources – these were the skills that the tech people thought should be the focus.

Technology is changing too quickly for cumbersome organizations to keep up with daily and weekly trends. Evaluating the right tools to use is a time consuming process, one of trial and error. Recognizing that technology is but part of the solution is part of the struggle to evolve.

If you want an example of the fleeting nature of tech, read this story – Facebook is so 2008. By the time bureaucracies figure out how to use Facebook, something else likely will be emerging to take its place.

Changing gears, the argument is often made that “we’re in the real estate business, not the technology business!” Those of us reading and writing real estate blogs likely are in both – and to varying degrees. Some are bleeding edge, some merely cutting, and some are sitting back trying to take it all in.

I really don’t care if its a new CMS, new listing tool, new social network, new blogging tool, new MLS backend, or new analysis reportsâ€¦ If you can get enough consumer eyeballs, the real estate agents will follow.

Same goes for the school system. How can schools use Twitter effectively? Ask the kids.

Related

January 2, 2008

http://www.flexmls.com/blog/ Michael Wurzer

Jim, this is quite possibly the best post I’ve read in months, making me think a lot. I also enjoyed the link out to Marijean’s blog, who I’ve never read before, and the discussion about blogs in education. Fascinating.

http://cvilleworkingmoms.wordpress.com Maiaoming

Yes, great post. You’re always very thoughtful and circumspect about things, but this one I found particularly interesting. Of course, I had heard the story already from one of the panelists you mentioned – he was so extremely frustrated by the schools’ attitudes he suggested we avoid public ed for our kids altogether. Hopefully they heard you guys at this meeting… or will read this blog! I hate it when orgs get obsessed with the tool as an end product, forgetting the content. I mean, kids need to have something to say, not just the means to say something – right?

http://www.cvillepodcast.com Sean Tubbs

This may be just the fire I need to produce the podcast of the event, which is about two hours long.

I’m about halfway through the post-production on it, which will include some writing to explain the ten minute video they showed us.

Jim
Thanks for attending the meeting. I enjoyed everyone’s input. Sorry for such a late response. I know you have already seen the video, but for those who haven’t, check my reply at http://www.catec.org/blog/index.cfm

Passion in education can be a good thing.

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About Jim Duncan

I am a Realtor/Broker/Partner with Nest Realty in Charlottesville, Virginia. The goal of this site/blog remains unchanged in the nearly 10 years since its founding – to provide clear, coherent and unbiased analysis of the Charlottesville area real estate market.

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